Welcome back to day 2 of Back to School Week. Today I wanted to share with you a DIY that I love.
This is a super simple DIY that will save you money and save you from a big mess.
I use these flexible DIY Ice packs all the time at home and in the classroom. They’re great in the classroom because they don’t leak like actual ice and they are completely disposable. Kids can use them and then toss them.
There are many different types of ice packs that you can buy or make. But this is one of my favorite methods of making Ice packs.
These Ice packs do not leak and are extremely flexible so you can mold them around a child’s injury. Plus they are super inexpensive.
Materials Needed for DIY Ice Pack
- Paper Towels
- Water
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Baggies
- Tape
In a bowl add about two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol keeps the ice pack colder for longer.
(this step is optional since rubbing alcohol is toxic you may want to skip this step for young children that may place these in their mouths.)
Fill the bowl with cold water.
Saturate one paper towel with the mixture by dipping it in to the bowl. Squeeze excess water out and in to bowl. 
Fold the paper towel several times. And place it in to the bag. Fold the bag over. Zip it shut. 
Next, you’ll use decorative tape to seal the bag.
And now your ice packs are ready for your little one at any time.
True story neither the shirt or the boo boo was planned. Jude actually got a tiny boo during the time I was preparing the ice packs.
He then went by himself to the refrigerator and grabbed his own ice pack and bent it around his wrist.
Make sure you come back tomorrow to read about fostering kids independence.
DID YOU MISS YESTERDAYS POST on the IMPORTANCE OF PLAY, It Started with A Brick.
Thank you for this tutorial! I have four little ones (three are boys) so we use a lot of ice packs around here! We are making some today so each of the kids can personalize theirs and we will be well stocked. 🙂
This is a fantastic idea, which I will definitely use…. ‘making some for when I have my gr-grandson over. I think these will be cold enough to do the job, but not so cold that little ones don’t want to use them. (BTW, I’m not meaning to be insulting, but if you are a teacher, you should be aware that you’ve had a big boo-boo in spelling. Pun intended! “There” great in the classroom, should be spelled “They’re”. Remember that it stands for “they are”, two words, therefore the hyphenation.)
Yes, and thank you I know exactly the difference in the two. Luckily I don’t teach English. But please keep in mind many of us bloggers are typing with families running around us and diverting our attention. Lesley
Something else I’ve noticed is that on Apple products it corrects automatically which is a pain in the you know where. You don’t realize you’ve made a mistake until after it is sent. Sometimes the words are totally different than what was intended. AND I love your idea — I learned something new — I didn’t know that alcohol made water colder. That ice pack is such a great idea. Your son is adorable!!!
Thank you Marisa and I heard the alcohol is what prevents the water from becoming hard ice.
I understand completely…. ‘Just didn’t want any nasty comments about teachers not knowing how to spell.
Anyway, thanks for the great idea. Like I said, I will definitely use it. I’m in my 70’s, but often watch my gr-grandson…. when he’s not in school, that is. He’s very active and just recently we had occasion to use an ice pack. He didn’t like the gel pack, even tho’ I wrapped it in a facecloth. I think this will work much better. Good idea!
How long do these ice packs stay cold? I’m wondering if I could use them in a lunchboxor insulated lunchbag.I like the fact that they’re flexible so I can wrap one around a water bottle or yoghurt cup, and since they bend they won’t take up more room than necessary.
I don’t think they would last long for the lunch box. They typically last about 5 minutes which makes them perfect for small boo boos.
These are so cute and SO EASY! What a fabulous idea! My little one is still too little, but soon she will be walking around and bonking her head I’m sure, so I need to make these and have on hand! We’d love for you to link up to our party Motivational Monday! 🙂 http://www.dwellinginhappiness.com/motivational-monday-2/
Thanks Amanda glad you liked them
I really need to make several of these! Right now, what I use for boo-boos is a teething/rattle toy I keep in the freezer. This will be so much better! Thanks!
Yay We use them all the time for headaches etc. They stay cold enough just the right amount of time but not so cold that they can’t be placed on the skin
I operate a home daycare and will find this useful. Thanks for such a great idea.
I feel so bad I’m just now seeing this comment. So glad you can use them for your daycare!